Quick Guide in Certifications, Diplomas and Licenses

So you're someone who's been thinking about what your future would look like if you were to work in the world of makeup artistry. Well, that's definitely going to depend on which path you choose to take. Although many people tend to think that being a professional makeup artist is the same as working as a cosmetologist or an esthetician, in all actuality these three different choices represent the three different paths you're able to take when working in the field of makeup artistry. This means you're going to need to understand the differences so that you can choose which one of these makeup career paths interests you most.

1. MAKEUP ARTISTSSo what exactly does a professional make-up artist do? For the most, they use a variety of makeup techniques, and on a variety of people. For example, a makeup artist can choose to focus on applying makeup in order to improve people's appearances. This would include things like applying makeup to brides on their wedding day, fashion events or editorial photoshoots. Know that you'll not only need to have a good eye for which colors look best on different skin tones, you'll also need to have a personality that works with many different types of people in order to be successful.

You can also choose to work as a makeup artist on film and movie sets, where you can specialize in the field of special effects makeup application. This would involve your working with a number of prosthetics and/or props in order to alter the appearance of actors. For the most part, an expert makeup artist will focus on a variety of makeup application techniques when working on movie sets. Some of the other makeup artistry jobs you can choose to work in include beauty counter jobs, special events, fashion shows, and editorials for magazines. Of course, you can choose to be a freelance makeup artist, which means you get to pick and choose which jobs you want to take on.

What kind of education do you need in order to become a professional makeup artist? Even though some states don't require any kind of formal education in order for you to be a professional makeup artist, it's wise for you to at the very least take a few make-up certification courses in order to learn the basics. You're able to take these courses online if you're looking for convenience, or you can choose to attend regular make-up school. Even if your state doesn't require you to be certified in makeup application, understand that it will look good on your resume.

2. COSMETOLOGISTSSo what exactly does a cosmetologist do? Although a cosmetologist can also choose to apply makeup to others, this is just a small percentage of what you can do with a career in cosmetology. In fact, the majority of cosmetologists in business today tend to be focused on bringing their clients the latest in hairstyle trends. Also known as beauticians, someone who specializes in cosmetology services can also offer their clients other beauty options, like manicure services, pedicure services, as well as basic skin care services.

There are many choices available when it comes to where you're able to work as an expert in cosmetology, with most taking place in hair salons and specialty spas. You can also choose to be a freelance cosmetologist, which allows you to work in a wide variety of fields, including things like weddings and special events. Being an expert in cosmetology services doesn't mean you have to offer all the above services. Instead, you can choose to focus on one specific service, which could help make you be seen as an authority in this chosen area, i.e. expert hairstylist, expert in manicure services.

What kind of education do you need in order to work as a cosmetologist? You'll need to enroll in a cosmetology school that's been approved and licensed by the state you live in. Depending on your state will determine how long the cosmetology training program is going to be, which will be somewhere in between 9 and 15 months. For the most part, you'll be focusing on using the best techniques when it comes to expert makeup application, skin care, and general hygiene. Because becoming a professional cosmetologist requires you to have a cosmetology license, you're held to a higher standard of care.

3. ESTHETICIANSSo what exactly does an esthetician do? They focus on the best skin care methods available today. Being a professional esthetician means that you would provide a variety of skin care services to your clients. This could include but isn't limited to giving facials, cleaning pores, skin polishing, aroma therapy treatments, skin exfoliation, healing body wraps, waxing services, hair removal services, and reflexology services. They could also specialize in shaping the eyebrows of their customers, or even tinting their eyelashes for a better appearance.

Because estheticians provide a variety of beauty services that can be quite personal, you'll need to have a personality that allows your clients to feel very relaxed and comfortable. You'll need to always be aware of any new skin care products that are currently coming out so that you're able to offer your clients the best options for their particular skin care needs. Some specific career choices include being a salon manager, professional beauty consultant, training instructor, and cosmetics marketer.

What kind of education do you need in order to work as an esthetician? In order for you to be a professional esthetician, you'll need to attend an esthetician school that's been approved by your state. You may even be able to attend a cosmetology school if they include special training programs that focus on skin care, so again, be sure to check with your state's regulations. The hours required to receive your esthetician license will depend on the state you live in, which will range anywhere between 250 hours and 1000 hours of professional training.

BOTTOM LINEWhat kind of education do you need in order to become a professional makeup artist? Even though some states don't require any kind of formal education in order for you to be a professional makeup artist, it's wise for you to at the very least take a few make-up certification courses in order to learn the basics. You're able to take these courses online if you're looking for convenience.